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Giovanni ViscontiRepresentative of the House of Visconti, Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal
Date of Birth: 01.01.1290
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Giovanni Visconti, Cardinal and Archbishop of Milan
- Papal Conflict and Alliance with Antipope
- Rise to Power in Milan
- Reconciliation with the Papacy
- Crisis and Expansion
- Sole Ruler and Territorial Acquisitions
- Legacy and Death
Giovanni Visconti, Cardinal and Archbishop of Milan
Early Life and CareerGiovanni Visconti, born in 1290, was the third son of Matteo I Visconti and Bonacosa Borri. He pursued an ecclesiastical career, becoming Bishop of Milan in 1317. However, Pope John XXII annulled this decision due to the Visconti family's allegiance to the Ghibelline faction, opposing the papacy.
Papal Conflict and Alliance with Antipope
In 1323, Pope John XXII excommunicated the Visconti family for supporting Emperor Louis IV. Giovanni aligned himself with Antipope Nicholas V, who elevated him to Cardinal in 1329.
Rise to Power in Milan
Giovanni's nephew, Azzo Visconti, acquired the title of Imperial Vicar of Milan in 1329 and began regaining control of the family's territories. In 1331, Giovanni became Bishop and Lord of Novara. In 1339, after Azzo's death, Giovanni returned to Milan as Archbishop, officially recognized by Pope Clement VI in 1342. He shared rule with his brother, Luchino Visconti.
Reconciliation with the Papacy
In 1341, the Viscontis reconciled with the papacy. Pope Benedict XII rescinded the sanctions against the Milanese rulers in exchange for their recognition of papal authority.
Crisis and Expansion
In the early 1340s, a group of Milanese citizens attempted to overthrow the Viscontis. Among the plotters were Giovanni's and Luchino's nephews, Matteo, Galeazzo, and Bernabo, whom Luchino banished from Milan. After suppressing internal opposition, Luchino significantly expanded the Visconti domains.
Sole Ruler and Territorial Acquisitions
Upon Luchino's death in 1349, Giovanni became the sole ruler of Milan. He recalled his nephews and declared them his heirs. In his later years, Giovanni purchased Bologna from the Pepoli family and seized control of Genoa, though these acquisitions were short-lived.
Legacy and Death
Giovanni Visconti died in 1354, and his territories were divided among his three nephews. He is remembered as a prominent figure in the history of Milan, holding both ecclesiastical and political authority during a tumultuous era.
